James Hetfield: Metallica Targeting Fall Release for New Album

Yesterday, we reported that Metallica had begun the mixing phase of their new record. Speculation points at a 2016 release for the album with the band strongly suggesting it would be out this year. Prior to James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett performing the National Anthem at the San Jose Sharks hockey game, the frontman was interviewed outside the stadium and revealed the band is eyeing a fall 2016 release.

"We're mixing it now, so hopefully by fall it'll be out and hitting people's ears," explained Hetfield (video below) when asked if there was any news he would like to break. "We're super stoked about it. It's been a long time coming, and, you know, this is what we do. We love playing, and the next album is exactly what it's supposed to be, so we're excited about it," the frontman finished up.

In a Met-Club fan club interview, it was revealed by interviewer Dan Nykolayko, “I managed to corner Lars [Ulrich] and James at HQ before they locked themselves in the control room with Greg Fidelman to start mixing the new album.” It is not known when the interview was initially conducted.

Fans have been hopeful for a 2016 release as has the band. Ulrich told Metal Forces, "If the record doesn’t come out this year then it won’t be because it’s not done. It will be because there’s some sort of cosmic reason that it would be smarter to hold onto it until next year. But the record will be done this summer."

James Hetfield Discusses the San Jose Sharks + New Metallica Album

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